Hiding your irritation at other people and their words and actions is actually the only way that face to face social interactions can take place without friction. Thais should be commended for it if they generally do it well, and that's not being an apologist. One just shouldn't mistake it for friendship. The farang 'don't you know who I am?' kind of shitty attitude towards people of a lower social or work station is no doubt a root cause of locals' resentment, going back however many years you like. Thais also resent the HiSo attitudes of monied locals, but that's not the issue in question in this thread.

RCer hits a nail on the head when he points out the abrasive actions of some farang. Whether it's in a supermarket or a bar doesn't matter, except the outcome at 2 am is likely to be a little different.

Been to Binta baht many times and always felt perfectly safe whether on my own or with friends. And most times very drunk , but not aggressive or argumentative, just fun and happy....maybe that's the trick.

Agree 100% The same applies to a lot of places in most if not all countries let's be fair.

Over the years on my visits to HH, I've been to Binta on many occasions, sometimes with the LHG (and even the MIL ), sometimes with friends, sometimes alone - I'm yet to have any real problem and hope I don't. Admittedly, I'm very rarely there even close to the "Witching Hour" if that makes (or should make) any difference.

"You've got to get your first tackle in early, even if it's late". Ray Gravell

Not a big bar goer anymore (at least late night visits) but having been to many around the world, including first world countries, alcohol can cause false courage, aggravated emotions, etc (Isn't this part of why we drink??).

Any bar area, especially in a concentrated place like Binta, can get high emotions and violence fairly easy. Not enough people in those situations just walk away.